Neuroscientists And Baby Brains Time magazine's Feb. 3 special cover article on "How a Child's Brain Develops" reports at length on the work of two Berkeley scientists, neurobiologists Carla Schatz and Corey Goodman. In the opening paragraph of the special report, Schatz describes the brain cells in a developing embryo calling to nearby cells "almost as if they were autodialing." They're transmitting coordinated waves of neural activity. Later in the article, it states, "...no recent finding has intrigued researchers more than the results reported in October by Corey Goodman and his Berkeley colleagues." It goes on to note work done on how axons from motor neurons in a fly's central nerve cord establish connections with muscle cells in its limbs. Comet Hale-Bopp: Lecture by Alan Hale Alan Hale, co-discoverer of Comet Hale-Bopp, will share the excitement of his discovery in a public lecture presented by the Center for Particle Astrophysics, at Lawrence Hall of Science, Wednesday, Feb. 26. Hale-Bopp will be at its peak of visibility this spring and is expected to surpass the thrill of last year's Comet Hyakutake. Offering his special perspective about the comet and how to observe it, Hale will also discuss the formation of the solar system and current efforts to identify potential Earth-impacting objects, such as asteroids and comets. Hale is founder and director of the Southwest Institute for Space Research in Cloudcroft, N.M., and an impassioned advocate for the advancement of scientific literacy. Following the talk, he will sign copies of his book, "Everybody's Comet: A Layman's Guide to Comet Hale-Bopp." Hale's talk is recommended for ages 12 and up. Admission to the lecture is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Hale's lecture is co-sponsored by the Center for Particle Astrophysics and the California Academy of Sciences and presented in collaboration with the Lawrence Hall of Science. I-House Scholarships For Room and Board Room and board scholarships for International House for the 1997-98 academic year or fall '97 semester are available to graduate or upper-division international students, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who will have completed one academic year at Berkeley and demonstrate financial need. The application deadline is March 7. Applications are available in the foyer of the residence office and in the Services for International Students and Scholars office.

Unions and Health Care: Feb. 18 Seminar James Robinson, professor of health economics, School of Public Health, will discuss "California's Health Care Industry: The Union Dilemma" in a Bay Area Labor Studies Seminar to be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Institute of Industrial Relations. Robinson will discuss changes in the health care industry and his research on health maintenance organizations. He will offer his thoughts on how the labor movement faces the California health care dilemma both as buyers and providers of health care services. Local union leaders will have the opportunity to air their views on this issue in a round table discussion. The seminar will take place at the Director's Lounge, Institute of Industrial Relations, 2521 Channing Way, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. For information call Kirsten Snow Spalding at 643-6815. Hip-Hop Titania, Puck And Oberon Hip-hop meets Shakespeare as the Center for Theater Arts opens its spring season with a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Director Ron Mangravite, who graduated with honors from the dramatic art department, combines pop culture with classical theater to create a unique interpretation of the classic Shakespeare play. The production features original music by composer Tony De Ritis, a music department graduate student, and jazz and hip-hop choreography by Cal alum Aisha Jenkins. An opening night reception to honor alumni will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. Additional performances are scheduled for Feb. 28, March 1 and March 6 through 8 at 8 p.m. in Zellerbach Playhouse. Matinees are scheduled for March 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 642-9988. Quesadillas Online A new cafe has opened at the Haas School of Business, providing an interesting menu and an opportunity to order a meal over the Internet. Jimmy Bean's FIFO Cafe is now open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the courtyard level, offering a menu focusing on fresh, often organic ingredients, with low-fat choices. The cafe serves hot breakfasts, quesadillas, sandwiches, pizzas, a burger and fries combo and daily specials. Coffee drinks are available at all hours. There's a takeout menu too. Campus meal cards are not yet accepted at the cafe, but that is in the works.